Saturday 12th July
Newquay Carnival
Pipers – Nigel, Stuart, Ian, Miranda, Keith G, Chris, David C, John
Drummers – Snare: James, Tom W, Tenor: Fred, Bass: Keith I
Drum Major – Andrew
Although it was a grey day and the forecast for northern Cornwall was rain, there was the lightest of moods with the Band members of 8 pipers, 4 drummers and Drum Major as they partook of a cream tea and a selection of delicious home-made cakes at the generous invitation of a Piper in his home. This was at 15.30 hours and a pleasant hour and half was then spent chatting and tuning up the pipes in the garden.
The weather was drizzly on and off and Dress was No 2s with optional capes if the rain was persistent. 17.00 hours and the members left for the Carnival Bands’ assembly point to await the start of the procession at 18.00 hours. There were numerous bands taking part, which included the Kernow Pipes and Drums and another Pipe Band, a small but lively Jazz group called Jumping Out, The Newquay Town Band, St Austell Silver Band, Samba Band with Dancing Ladies, Air Training Corps Band, to name but a few. The Band was to play in the last but one position. Click here for a video clip!
The Carnival started on time with the Newquay Town Band leading and a giant steam engine following closely behind. Other entries taking part included the Newquay Road Train, Morris Dancers, St Columb Minor School and Trenance Academy children in imaginative fancy dress, Star Wars Band in fancy dress, Village Fairy Queens, and two whistling bands.
The route was a long one and a very crowded one with people cheering and clapping and it was heard to say that it was thought to be their best carnival ever!
The drizzle had long since given up and capes had not been needed and although the sun did not shine, it had been a dry day.
Tunes played during the march included the following – Green Hills/Battles O’er, Scotland the Brave/Rowan Tree/Wings/Bonny Galloway, Scotland the Brave/Mairi’s Wedding, Collin’s Cattle/Shoals of Herring, Cockney Jocks/Rainbow Country/Bluebells of Scotland.
The Procession finished on the forecourt of Sainsbury’s just after 19.00 and buses were kindly provided to take the Bands back to their cars. The Organiser and Lions Representative came and thanked the Bands for coming and hoped they would see them next year. Some found it a relief to rest on the bus and at a request by one of them, a lady member of the Newquay Band with her Tenor Euphonium (sweet sound) played a lovely rendition of The Floral Dance!
It had been a lovely Carnival, the Band had looked good and sounded impressive, the crowds were in Carnival mood and appreciative and the weather had been dry for the duration of the Procession!
